Orcad Questions

[Som]

Hello everyone... I'm relatively green at using Capture, so I have a few questions. (Orcad v.9.2.3)

1) How can I use off-page connectors with buses? I feel like I'm missing something really easy here. Also, is there a naming convention that must be followed for the net-names of the individual lines in the bus or can they be given unique names? If they are given unique names, can they then be referenced by either their net name or the bus name + wire number? (ie BUS[2] or, say, SDRAM_nWE)

2) Are Orcad symbols that hot of an item that people don't share them? I thought that companies who made the parts would be eager to make available files necessary to develop using their components. Why am I on crack for thinking this? In particular, I'm looking for Molex connector symbols and whatnot. From what I understand, creating the symbol isn't the big deal... it's creating the "pads" for layout. Are there websites where people share libraries of this sort?

Anyways... thanks in advance. I'm loving this forum so far. I'm designing a PDA-like device using the PXA255 processor for my senior design project at UCSC and the resources available here for getting through the BGA layout phase look very helpful. Too bad the project has to be done in 4 weeks and I haven't even started layout yet. Long nights ahead!

- Som

[Mark Larson]

Originally posted by Som


2) Are Orcad symbols that hot of an item that people don't share them? I thought that companies who made the parts would be eager to make available files necessary to develop using their components. From what I understand, creating the symbol isn't the big deal... it's creating the "pads" for layout. Are there websites where people share libraries of this sort?

- Som [/B]

the company I work for bought a library for orcad, so there would be at least two people mad if I shared it, the person who paid for it and the person getting the money for it

[Som]

Originally posted by Mark Larson
the company I work for bought a library for orcad, so there would be at least two people mad if I shared it, the person who paid for it and the person getting the money for it

If people are paying for a collection of symbols, it would make sense why they wouldn't turn around and distribute it freely. I guess I'm more curious as to why companies that actually design the parts don't distribute symbols/pads for their own products freely. Sure, companies whose sole business is selling symbol packages would probably take a significant hit (if not go out of business), but I can't see that as being the only reason... what am I missing here?

The only other thing I can see is if creating symbols is very application specific and perhaps part manufacturers don't want to endorse any single or subset of CAD companies by designing symbols for those companies exclusively. Though, from what I understand, there are some fairly ubiquitous symbol/pad file formats out there.

Ah well... so be it.

- Som

[PRoehl]

I think they are waiting for either Cadence to buy Mentor, or the other way around. Then they just make a symbol for one company!

[padmaster]

Originally posted by Som
I guess I'm more curious as to why companies that actually design the parts don't distribute symbols/pads for their own products freely. Sure, companies whose sole business is selling symbol packages would probably take a significant hit (if not go out of business), but I can't see that as being the only reason... what am I missing here?



1. They would have to buy a license for the software $$$$$

2. They would have to pay someone to run the software to create the symbols and padstacks $$$$$

3. They would have to pay annual maintenance on the software $$$$$$


Hell, those companies do good to create usable data sheets so WE can create the footprints and padstacks.

[randychase]

I have had some discussion with a couple of companies. To add to what has been posted, companies do not want the liability.

The company might feel they will sell the same number of 74HC04s even if they do or do not offer a helpful library service. But offering one, they would have to pay people to create it and maintain it, and then what about an error in the library they provided?

[nik]

sometimes u will get the symbol and pads information from company site as in case of TI, u will these details but even though with the minimal features so have to edit that pads to make it according to you. like silkscreen details,soldermask etc.
even if u search for script for that particular component u will get only thing u have to do is just import it .

nik